Corey Seager's First Homers as a Ranger Come in Double-A Rehab
Corey Seager has finally gone yard as a Texas Ranger, but it's not on the major league stage – at least, not yet. The 32-year-old shortstop, who signed a $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers in 2020, hit his first home runs as a member of the team in a rehab appearance for Double-A Frisco on Tuesday night.
Seager has been sidelined for the third time this season due to lower back inflammation, missing 52 games for the AL West-leading Rangers. The team is 24-28 without him, and their performance without Seager has raised questions about his long-term viability in the lineup. Seager's absence has been a significant blow to the Rangers, who have struggled to find consistent offense without their two-time World Series MVP.
Seager's rehab appearance against Corpus Christi was a positive step towards his return to the major leagues. He went 1 for 2 with a walk and a strikeout, homering in the fifth inning before being replaced in the field. The top of the third ended with a notable defensive play, as Seager made a backhanded stop in the hole and threw out the runner at first.
Seager's return to the field has been a slow and laborious process. He was removed from the Rangers' game on June 30 due to back discomfort and has been taking live batting practice in the days leading up to his rehab appearance. While it's unclear when he will rejoin the big league club, Seager's progress is a welcome sign for Rangers fans.
The trade deadline is just around the corner, and Seager's future with the team is uncertain. With the 32-year-old shortstop in the fifth season of his massive contract, the Rangers may be forced to consider trading him if he continues to struggle with injuries. Seager has hit .182 with 10 homers and 25 RBIs in 51 games for the Rangers, but his absence has been felt throughout the lineup.
Seager's injury issues have been a recurring problem throughout his career. He has missed 21 games since going on the injured list again on July 1 due to lower back inflammation, the same reason he was out 19 games for another IL stint from May 15-June 4. He has also missed 12 games on the concussion list from June 12-24 after a home-plate collision with Kansas City catcher Carter Jensen.
Seager's performance this season has been a shadow of his usual self. He started 42 of the Rangers' first 43 games, but his struggles at the plate have been well-documented. When he went on the IL the first time, he was hitless in seven consecutive games and mired in an 0-for-27 slump, both the worst streaks in his 12 big league seasons.
Seager's rehab appearance is a positive step towards his return to the major leagues. However, the trade deadline is looming, and the Rangers may be forced to consider trading him if he continues to struggle with injuries. The future of the two-time World Series MVP with the Texas Rangers remains uncertain, and only time will tell what the team will do next.
Source: Yahoo Sports